Pakistani cement industry losing competitiveness

Pakistan's growth in domestic economy has supported the overall development of the cement industry, reports The Nation. According to the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association, the cement industry has approached various decision makers to stop influx of Iranian cement into Pakistan from Balochistan by road and railway.

According to the association, the government should impose a 20 percent Regulatory Duty for import of cement in addition to custom duty.

Pakistani cement industry is losing competitiveness to other countries such as Iran, UAE and India mainly due to high costs of doing business in Pakistan. The industry has appealed for reduction in energy costs, removal of GIDC imposed on gas, reduction of custom duty on coal to 0 percent and additional incentive of 5 percent on export of cement by sea.